This weekend was the first time Clemson's 2024 draft picks have strapped it up after leaving the great state of South Carolina. All had decent games, but a few former Tigers stood out, and one in particular suffered an injury.
Will Shipley, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and Tyler Davis played fantastic games. Davis found himself trying to fill an Aaron Donald-sized hole in the defensive line in Los Angeles. Apparently, he took that to heart in his first preseason game, recording six tackles, two solo, and two tackles for loss.
Shipley and Trotter were drafted by the Eagles, showing Philly what Clemson football is all about. Trotter followed in his father's footsteps — who played for Philadelphia — who was nicknamed "Axe Man' because of his "axe chop" celebration. In the Eagles 16-13 win over Baltimore, Trotter made six tackles, four solo, and a sack in his debut.
On the other side of the ball, Will Shipley is making a great argument for RB2 status. He ran for 23 yards on seven carries and added another seven yards through the air on a touchdown catch. What might not show on the box score is his work as protection in the passing game, picking up blitzes.
Former teammate and first-round pick Nate Wiggins played against them with the Ravens. He showed out his first game but unfortunately left with a shoulder injury. Thankfully, Wiggins' injury is not something serious. He could miss practice time, but most likely he'll be back before Week one. Before his injury, Wiggins recorded three tackles, two solo, a tackle for loss, and an outstanding three passes defended on his first three targets.
Relatively, Ruke Orhorhoro and Xavier Thomas had quiet nights. Thomas made three tackles and a sack for the Cardinals, while Orohorhoro made two tackles for the Falcons.